Episode Transcript
I’ve seen this many times. Here’s what happens:
You’re in a new engineering leadership role. It may or may not be your first. But probably there hasn’t been a woman in this position before.
People don’t see you as a leader. And therefore don’t respect you or your position. You don’t “look the part.” Whatever that means.
Your boss has endorsed you as a leader. But people still go to them with issues that you should be handling.
And so you’re ending up with all the busy work and none of the strategic or decision-making work.
Your efforts get ignored or discounted. It seems no one takes you seriously. And It’s hard to build trust.
So now you’re feeling inadequate. And you’re deciding you’re not cut out for this leadership thing.
The Right Perspective on Your Engineering Leadership Success
It looks and feels to you like you’re a failure as an engineering leader.
But that’s not what’s going on here. In reality, others are failing you with their doubting, judging, and lack of support.
I’ve felt this before as a first level manager. I never went any farther along that management track because of it.
I didn’t have the right perspective of what was happening until much, much later. Now I see it in a whole new light.
It’s easy to default to the idea that you’re the one who’s failing here. But when you take a step back and look at the situation, you see that’s not the case.
That given the right kind of support, you can be set up for success.
Yes, you have some learning and growing to do. No one is a born leader.
Yes, you’ll have to make some changes and improvements. But that’s to be expected. You knew that going in.
So my first piece of advice as you experience your new leadership position is to have an objective frame of mind and assess the true situation.
Are you getting the right support from your boss and your team?
Then, once you’re properly set up, you’ll have a more realistic idea of how good a leader you can be.
How to Be Seen, Respected and Supported as a New Engineering Leader
Let’s take a closer look at your situation. And I’ll give you more guidance by way of 4 questions that come up.
- How do you get people to recognize you as the leader?
First of all, to get others to see you as a leader, you need to see yourself as a leader. Stand in your power.
Develop confidence and positivity. Own your role and own up to your mistakes. Be honest and up front.
Second, at the start, it’s a good idea to share with the people you lead your objectives and preferences. This way they understand where you’re coming from and can buy in to your approach.
And third, find an effective communication style. Give clear direction and goals.
- How do you get where you want to go when you “don’t look the part”?
When people say you don’t look the part, they’re really saying you don’t fit the stereotype. And that’s their problem, not yours.
Simply stay authentic. Be yourself. And show others that leaders look like you.
- How do you build trust and gain respect?
This is a biggie. Trust and respect take time. It’s something you gotta earn through good leadership practice.
And it’s a give-and-get: give trust and respect and you’ll get them in return.
Help people get to know you, your skills, and your background. Listen to their ideas, suggestions, and concerns. Strive for camaraderie and collaboration.
And btw, don’t confuse respect with likeability. The goal is not to make people like you.
Instead, focus on the value you bring. Focus on your skills and strengths.
These are what got you the leadership role in the first place. And these are what will lead to trust and respect.
- What do you do when you’re not getting the right kind of support?
It’s easy to assume that your boss knows how to support you. But that might not be the case.
Ask for what you need from your boss. Ask for the specific kind of support you want. Ask for guidance and feedback.
If they haven’t helped you get off to a good start, ask them to strategize with you. To help you put a plan in place and measure your progress.
If your boss is taking on issues that you should be addressing, it’s likely they don’t realize it. Or they think they’re being helpful. So tactfully point it out. And explain the difficulty it puts you in.
You can ask for what you need from your team too. Address concerns individually or as a group as promptly you can. Show you care.
For those leadership situations you’re not sure how to address, seek input from mentors and other leaders.
Ensuring Your Engineering Leadership Role is an Awesome Experience
And finally, a strategy session with me may be just the thing to give you the right perspective on your leadership capabilities.
This is a 90-minute deep dive into this one particular topic. And it can make all the difference for your new leadership role.
Sign up for your one-on-one session here.
With the right perspective and a few of these tips and insights, you’ll realize your true leadership genius.
Try it out. Your new engineering leadership role will become a terrific experience. And a significant step toward your engineering career vision.
Next time on Her Engineering Career Podcast, we’ll explore how you use your power as an engineer and leader. You won’t want to miss Episode 109.